Could Govt’s aged care design prize lead to Opera House of aged care?

Just as Jørn Utzon won the design competition for the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point in 1957, the Government’s aged care design prize, announced on Tuesday, could produce landmark buildings that enhance lives for generations. The competition, titled ‘Reimagining Where We Live’ is intended to test the draft National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines, and develop aged care homes that better meet the needs of residents. Entrants will be asked to provide designs for two sites, one metropolitan and one regional.

A first prize of $50,000 and a second prize of $20,000 will be awarded for both sites.

“Design has the potential to vastly improve quality of life for older people living in aged care homes – as well as the working environments of the people who care for them,” said the Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells.

“To achieve this, design must be grounded in the experiences of people who live in aged care homes and evidence for how best to mitigate the challenges that lead them to seek residential care. “The Government wants to encourage flexibility and innovation in aged care accommodation design and support emerging technologies to better meet the need of future generations.” The draft Principles and Guidelines were released for feedback on 6 September 2023. They will be introduced from 1 July 2024. Entries will be accepted until 12pm (noon) AEDT on 15 December 2023. Click HERE to find out more. The SOURCE: It’s encouraging to see the Government injecting inspiration (and cash) into aged care design.